From "Will You?" to "Thank You:" Bridesmaid Cards

Bridesmaid stationery is a popular way to both ask and thank your Bridesmaids for agreeing to be a part of your wedding. We love the below "Will You Be My Bridesmaid?" cards from Designed By M.E. Stationery.


Inside Reads: "I promise the dress will be Fabulous."

When it comes time to thank your girls for all the time and work they've put into your wedding- why not do it with a sense of humor? These cute cards from Shakespeare's Bride acknowledge just how much effort goes into being a bridesmaid.


Inside Reads: "After everything you've done for my wedding, I guess now we know why they're called Bride's Maids."

Finally, if you're planning to throw a Thank You Bridesmaids Luncheon, don't forget that great stationery can also make a great gift. These cute notecard folios from Jilly Jack Designs could be set at each woman's place as a cute favor.



Diane, Shakespeare's Bride

Photo Credits: Designed By M.E. Stationery, Shakespeare's Bride, Jilly Jack Designs

Funny and Unique RSVPs

Even though wedding invitations tend to be more formal, the RSVP is one place you can have a little fun, particularly if your invitation is already infused with your personality. Here are some fun RSVPs that might peak your creativity!

From Lasso'd Moon Designs



Yes, that does save "evil pony" and yes, it was a real, biting pony (and a long-standing family joke)


From Brown Sugar Design:


I would have loved to see how that was filled out!

and from Robin Beth Designs:




This is great because it leaves space for the guests to write their own notes. I remember loving it when I was getting married and the guests wrote little notes about how excited they were to come. The notes will make a great keepsake.

Whatever your wedding style, don't be afraid to inject a little humor into it. It's a good way to show your guests how much fun they're going to have (or miss, due to biting evil ponies).

{Carey, Lasso'd Moon Designs}

Monograms: Why not brand your personal event?

Everyday corporate branding can be seen everywhere, so it's not a surprise to think about how to brand your own special event? Afterall, it'll tie everything together for a neat, well-thoughtout look and feel.

Wedding monograms have been en vogue for quite some time and it's wonderful to see how much fun can be added to the flavor of the event's stationery. From simple and modern to fun... there's definitely enough style to go around that will fit every nearlywed couple's dream day and it doesn't have to end when the wedding is over. You can even extend it to the morning after brunch as well and use it for the Thank You cards.

{Modern & Simple Monogram from Bride Design}



{Fun and Event-Inspired Monogram from Feterie}



{Ornate and Iconic Monograms from Lucky Designs}

Girls' Night Out: Bachelorette Party Stationery

When planning a Bachelorette Party skip the tired mass email and set the tone right with one of the fun and fabulous Bachelorette Party invitations available today.

For Bachelorette Weekends in Las Vegas check out these custom invitations from Serendipity Beyond Design. Complete with poker chip accent, what a great way to set the stage for the naughty fun of Vegas Baby!




For celebrations closer to home, check out these handmade invitations from Social Circles Design. The vintage, hand-stamped victorian corset sets just the right tone for a classy, yet sassy, Girls' Night Out.



If you're the Bride, after the party don't forget to let your friends and bridesmaids know what a great time you had. Thank your hosts in style with this fun thank you card from Shakespeare's Bride

OUTSIDE
INSIDE



-Diane, Shakespeare's Bride

Photo Credits: Social Circles Design, Serendipity Beyond Design, and Shakespeare's Bride

The First Look, to the Last Bite: Cakes Inspired by Wedding Invitations

Every bride strives to make her wedding her own, and most lovingly infuse their day with graphics, colors, and motifs that speak to their unique style and tastes. When choosing your invitations, consider how certain elements from your wedding stationery may be used throughout the event. You can also ask your stationer to refer other trustworthy vendors who they have experience working with. Experts who will capably capture your vision and enhance the tone you've already set with your save the dates and invitations. One sweet way to keep your guests engaged and entertained throughout the wedding experience is to carry your design style through from the first look to the last bite. Here are some examples of just that: cakes inspired by invites!

This modern, letterpressed, invitation suite by Brown Sugar Design Studio, provided some tasteful inspiration for a five-tiered cake featuring its graphic circle motif.

This She Takes The Cake creation complete with marzipan cherries, is also embellished with hand-painted fruit that mimics the custom illustrations from a pocket fold invite by Bride Design.



~Erin, Bride Design

Make your mark using eco-friendly inks

Most people think “eco-friendly stationery” has everything to do with the paper. Just as important (and often overlooked) is the ink used to create the images and impressions we see on paper.

However, not all inks are created equal! “Traditional” inks are considered toxic to the environment because they don't decompose in landfills, they emit air pollution in the form of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and are based on petroleum, a non-renewable resource. Unfortunately, these inks are commonly used in printing processes because they are readily available and considered to be cost-effective. Thankfully, there are alternatives. Here are some suggestions on how make a 'green' impression on paper:

Use vegetable-based inks (soy, flax, canola or safflower)

- emit low VOCs
- derived from renewable resources
- easily stripped from paper in the recycling process
- biodegradable
- available for commercial and personal printing equipment
- provide high-quality, vibrant prints

Remember that less is more

Source short-run printing using solid wax ink or by digital press using liquid ink. These processes can print small quantities with less setup and chemical clean-up required.

Lasso’d Moon Designs: eco-friendly printer, uses wax based solid ink.

Even better: print only what you need. Source stationers who print by hand using block print, silkscreen or letterpress.

(left) Feterie: Eco-Luxe Gift Wrap is hand silkscreen-printed with soy/veg-based ink | (right) Artful Sentiments: Each card is an original work of art, hand printed

Hire a calligrapher for your stationery package or envelope addressing (you can also do it yourself).

Betsy Dunlap: calligraphy by hand

Design considerations: choose designs that use less ink or none at all. Look for minimalist designs or letterpress that incorporates ‘embossing’, where the impression into the paper creates the design without ink.

Paper stories: embossed letterpress design

Go digital: where possible, eliminate the ink altogether. Use wedding websites for wedding day information (such as Accommodation or Direction details) and send “Save the Date” notifications via email.

Eco-saavy consumers on a quest for eco-friendly stationery should look beyond recycled paper. Work with stationers who resource low-VOC ink solutions with the capacity to run small quantities and you'll be doing your part to support sustainability!

- Lianne Tokey, baron*cards

Seating Charts!

Seating Charts are a fabulous way to direct guests to a particular table without using a lot of paper. Often, they are almost works of art that you could hang on your wall after. But do you need one? If you want to assign tables, but not seating, a chart is a great way to go. Your stationer may be able to design you one that will match your invitation suite:



or



In the first example, we used a monogram/damask design on not only the invitations, table cards and place cards, but on the seating chart as well. The bride used a very different theme of green and blue- each table was named after a different shade of the color (Celadon, Peacock, etc) and then the table cards were printed in the opposite shade. The images from Blush Paperie incoroporate a pretty flourish design throughout that bride's menus, seating chart and table numbers.

Seating Charts can take a few weeks to complete. One, typically because there are many names involved (and no one wants to spell Grandma's name wrong), seating assignments change quickly and there's just a lot of room for error. And, not all stationers have the ability to print them in house as typically they are a wider format than most stationer's have in-house, so this can add to your turn-around time as well. If you do think you'll need a seating chart, mention it to your stationer in your initial consultation so that you can be sure to have plenty of time to complete it.

~Carey, Lasso'd Moon Designs

The Usual Suspects-Wedding Invitation Inserts

You’ve finally decide on your invitation design, so what’s next? The inserts! Here’s a breakdown of the usual information that’s included on the inserts that go with your invitation:

Response card: Whether your design includes a postcard or a small card with an envelope, a response card is important so that you know how many guests to expect at your wedding. Be sure to apply the appropriate postage so guests can return these to you quickly and easily (let’s hope!). Your response card should have the date to reply by (usually a month before your wedding is recommended), an area to include the guests’ name, and an area to select whether they are accepting or declining. Some may choose to include a choice of entrée on the reply card as well. Depending on the formality of your wedding, sometimes guests may be given the opportunity to RSVP on your wedding website. Though not traditional, this can be noted as an option on the response card.

Reception card: If the reception information is not included on the invitation itself, and a reception is being held in a different location than the ceremony, a reception card should be included. This insert informs guests where and when the reception will take place. You may also wish to note attire on this insert, especially if the reception is black tie.

Maps and Directions: It’s a good idea to include a map or directions with your invitation as a courtesy for guests, especially if they are far apart or complex to find. They should outline the route guests would take from the ceremony to the reception. Including parking information, if applicable, is also helpful. Ideally the map and/or directions should be printed on the same paper as the invitation.

Accommodations: If you are inviting a lot of out of town guests, it’s often a good idea to include accommodation recommendations with the invitation as well. These details can easily be combined with the map and directions insert. A website can also be noted on this insert.

Stay tuned for information on additional enclosures in the coming weeks!

~Christina, paperzest

Images with * from Lasso'd Moon Designs, other images from paperzest

Save the Dates- the First Glimpse

Congratulations! You’ve set your date, secured your venue, and started to finalize your guest list. Now comes the fun part – telling your guests about your wedding!

Save the date announcements have become an increasingly popular way of letting guests know about your upcoming nuptials. While not imperative, sending save the dates are a good idea if you’re getting married on a holiday weekend, if you are expecting a lot of out-of-town guests, and especially if you’re planning a destination wedding.

Plan on mailing save the dates 4-6 months prior to your wedding, so that guests can begin to make any necessary travel arrangements. For destination weddings you may wish to extend the timeframe from 6-9 months.

Consider including accommodation information, or your wedding website, with your save the dates. You should aim to have save the dates ordered 2 months prior to mailing them. This will give you time to finalize your guest list and address your envelopes.

Start thinking about your invitations while looking for save the date announcements. Now is the perfect time to establish the tone for your wedding, and can provide a cohesive feel to your wedding stationery.

~Christina, paperzest

Wedding Trend: The Fascination with Feathers

It might be the light and airy way they move in the slightest breeze, or perhaps the way they glam up any outfit or event – either way, feathers have found their way into mainstream design, fashion and décor.

There are plenty of ways the feather can be used throughout a wedding or event – but keep in mind, these quills work best when used sparingly!

Event Décor: When used as a centerpiece, the addition of feathers can create an atmosphere of Old Hollywood. Themed stationery such as a peacock Table Card are great for cosmopolitan evening soirees. Add plenty of sparkle to the table top and the pairing is perfect for a Winter Wonderland affair.


Ostrich tower centerpiece from Events Wholesale, wreath centerpiece feathers from ostrich.com, feather chandelier by Moss Events, wedding stationery by baron*cards.

Dress: Brides who love the idea of feathers can share their passion through fashion! There are contemporary and traditional options available, like these stunning dresses below from Coast and Jane Yeh. For cooler climate events, celebrate vintage couture with a bolero wrap from EnAvance.


Accessorize: There are a ton of fabulous feather finds for hairpieces nowadays. Do a search on Etsy for a unique, handmade design or visit a specialty (online) store like HeaddressDesigns.com. Even the most traditional or conservative bride can make a glamorous statement with a hairpiece adorned with a wispy feather detail. The look is memorable and beautiful.

Hairpiece by Mikey. Bouquet by Soulful Flowers San Francisco. Clutch by Angel Jackson, cuff by Karen Millen.

The feather can also be added to the bridal or bridesmaid bouquets. The organic nature of the feather can provide a complimentary texture that works incredibly well with many flower varieties.

Ladies can accessorize with feathered clutch as a fabulous finishing detail. An exquisite piece of jewelry can also transform the look of your bridal entourage. But again, it’s important not to overdo it with the feathers! Either do the bouquet, or the clutch or jewelry, but not all of the above. Otherwise, the bridal party could look like they really are birds of a feather flocking together!

Hairpiece by Headdress Designs, shoes by Manolo Blahnik, clutch by Christian Louboutin.

The beauty of the feather is how well it plays with others. It can serve as the primary theme for an event, but really adds flare when used as a secondary accent. White plumes can be paired with pearls and lace for a vintage look. Jewel-toned peacock quills look rich and sophisticated when paired with black or navy silk.

Feathers are a fabulous element that can be incorporated into any event very easily and affordably, too. With so many options out there, the feather trend still has momentum. Just remember: a little goes a long way!

- Lianne Tokey of baron*cards

Place cards, Escort Card and Butler Cards, Oh My!

Not all weddings require place cards or escort cards. But do you? Do you know the difference?

If you are concerned about where guests will sit (maybe Grandma doesn't get along with Aunt Margery and they might thrown down if stuck at the same table), or need to let your caterers know who should get the chicken and who should get the beef, using place and escort cards can make life much simpler. They do mean a bit of extra work for you before the wedding, but in the end, you'll be glad you avoided any family fights.

While typically all of these little cards end up being called place cards, there is a difference. Escort cards are usually set out at a separate table, with guests' names and table numbers directing them where to go. Place cards usually are set out right at the table and are more for assigned seating. These usually accompany a seating chart so the guests know which table to go to. Both cards can do double duty however, particularly in the event that you are having a plated dinner. If you have asked on your RSVP card who exactly wants which meal, you can denote this with a little symbol or certain color card at the table (#5 is a good example). This way, it eliminates the servers need to ask, and also takes the guess work out of it for your guests who might not remember if they chose chicken or beef. These are also sometimes refered to as Butler Cards.

If you know you're going to need these, your stationer can coordinate your cards with the rest of your invitation ensemble. It's also a good idea to let her know in the beginning so that she can schedule you in. Check with your stationer about the best format for submitting your information, particularly if you want to have your guests names and tables printed directly on the card.

Photo/Design credits:
1 & 2- Feterie
(#2 image courtesy Christa Hoffarth Photography)
3 & 5- Custom Programs
4 & 7 Lasso'd Moon Designs
6- Paper Stories Letterpress

~Carey @ Lasso'd Moon Designs

Table Cards Today: Anything But By The Numbers

Today's weddings are all about personalization. When planning your wedding you will quickly discover that there a myriad of ways in which you can put your personal stamp on your special day. Take, for instance, your table cards. Once merely small numbered cards which served as a way for guests to identify which table they were suppose to sit at at the reception, today's table cards have evolved into yet another way for a couple to put their unique spin on their wedding day.

For starters table cards no longer have to contain just numbers. Nowadays it is common for brides and grooms to name versus number their tables. Getting married at a vineyard ? Perhaps you could use cards like the above from Fleur Creations, which feature names and descriptions of different wines. Did you fall in love in New York? Why not name your tables after different neighborhoods or special spots in the Big Apple (below, also from Fleur Creations).


If you’re more of a traditionalist and want to stick to a numbering system, you can still make your table cards stand out. If you have a common motif or color scheme running through your stationery suite why not have your stationer design table cards that incorporate these elements? Maybe include the cherry blossom design from your invitations and menu cards, or the personalized monogram, logo or font you are utilizing elsewhere. You could also design table cards which incorporate pictures of you two as couple or as kids.

You can also make your table cards stand out, by how you display them. Most venues provide small metal stands for table cards, but it is also common nowadays for brides to use their own picture frames, small easels, or other unique holders to display their table cards. Just keep in mind that whatever type of holder you utilize it’s important to give the correct measurements to your stationer so that they design your cards so that they fit into the holder properly. You don’t want to be trimming off the top of your “5" the night before your wedding so that it will fit into the cute Pottery Barn frame.

Again it’s all about making your table cards reflect you two as a couple. Think of what you two are all about and start brainstorming ideas. Here are some other ideas I came up with, but would love to hear from you as well. So if you have a great idea please comment here and share!

Winter Wedding: Use small snow globe picture frames to frame your table card numbers.

Film Buffs: Frame headshots of old movie stars and name each table after a star. Clark Gable Table anyone?

Beach Lovers: Name your tables after famous beaches. Get small metal buckets, fill them with sand, and stick a paper flag in each which displays the beach name.

Wine Connoisseurs: Have your stationer design labels to stick to wine bottles, and make the wine bottles your table card holders.

Disney Lovers: Name your tables after the different lands of Disney, after certain rides, or famous Disney Couples. Incorporate pictures with each name.

Sports Fanatics: Name your tables after your favorite teams or players. For the players utilize their jersey numbers as well as their names.

History Buffs: Name your tables after famous (or infamous) couples in history.

Travel Fiends: Name your tables after various countries or cities you have traveled to and include pictures of you two at the locations. Use pieces of old maps as your mats in the frames.

Far East Theme: Paste table numbers to Japanese fans or Chinese Lanterns


-Diane, Shakespeare's Bride

All photos courtesy Fleur Creations.

Wedding Gift Thank You Cards: 5 Don'ts

1. Don't Embrace Modern Technology
Don’t send a thank you email. Don’t post a mass thank you on your wedding website. Don’t social network your thank yous on Facebook. Don’t text your thx u. It's time to put down the cell phone and pick up a pen. Even in our fast paced, tech infused world, proper thank you note etiquette still dictates putting pen to paper. These are your friends and loved ones. If you loved them enough to invite them to your wedding, and they loved you enough to bring you a gift, then don’t Twitter your thank you.

2. Don’t Send Out Pre-Printed Thank You Notes
All stationers who print custom stationery have faced this: the bride and groom who want to mass-produce a pre-printed thank you to mail out after the wedding. Don’t put your stationer or yourself in this spot. Proper etiquette calls for a handwritten, personal note. Just as your family and friends did not all get together ala a Verizon Wireless Network commercial and shop en masse for one gift, don’t lump them together as well. They spent time, money, and gas shopping for your present. You owe them a personal note.

3. Don't Combine Marry with Merry
If yours is a fall or winter wedding you might be thinking that a combo Holiday Card/ Wedding Thank You Card might be just the thing. You’re sending out holiday cards anyway, why not slip in a little “P.S. By the way, thank you for the great panini maker Aunt Sue!” Well sorry, even if you’re making those paninis to leave out for Santa himself, now is not the time. (C’mon we bet you also buy those poor souls born in December the dreaded “combo gift” as well right?) And don’t try to hide behind the idea of being eco-friendly by sending out a single card. With all the environmentally friendly stationery products on the market today, you can find holiday cards and thank you cards that let you practice proper etiquette and be green - even at this red and green time of year.

4. Don’t Think You Have a Year
Contrary to what you might have heard, you do not have a year to send out your thank you notes. Thank you cards for your wedding gifts should be sent within three months of the wedding day. For gifts shipped and received prior to your wedding date, you should send thank you notes within a few days of when the gifts were received. Sending out thank you cards as you go, and in a timely manner, not only lets guests know you actually received their gifts, it also shows them that thanking them for their generosity was a top priority. If this shortened window is making you scramble, take solace in the knowledge that according to Peggy Post of the Emily Post Institute it’s also “urban legend” that guests have up to a year to send you a gift in the first place. When you’re done, you'll likely be done.

5. Don’t Forget He Knows How to Write Too
Don’t think that as the bride you have to write all the thank you cards alone. You just got married remember? What better way to start shouldering responsibilities as a couple then sharing the task of thanking your family and friends. He’s going to use that ice bucket too, so chill a bottle in it, break out your new cheese platter and make an evening out of it. Each write half and then swap stacks so that the other can sign their personal signatures as well. Trust us, your loved ones will notice what a classy couple you two are.

-Diane, Shakespeare's Bride

Photo courtesy of Baron Cards

The Anatomy of a Wedding Program- What's in it and Do You Need it?

Wedding programs are what some might consider a necessary evil. Personally, I like them for several reasons. First, it gives you a chance to introduce your wedding party without formally doing so, and even let people know how you know them. Second, it's a nice way to give rememberance to those family members who have passed on. Third, it gives your guests something to do with their hands, and if it's a ceremony many might be unfamiliar with, it also lets your guests know what's going to happen when. Fourth, 15 years later, it may help you remember what actually happened at your wedding without having to break out your wedding DVD (this happened to me recently, though it's only been nine and a half years).

So what should go into your program and how many should you get? Well, it really depends on how much information you want to give out and what your budget is for programs. In considering how many to order, a good rule of thumb is one per couple, plus 15-20% more for singles and keepsakes. As for content, I've done small programs, and I've done HUGE programs. A 6-8 page program, even if it's small in size, could still end up being more expensive than your invitations. There's a ton of time that goes into setting them up, there are many changes that need to be made (because you do NOT want to spell your future grandma-in-law's name wrong) and it's all very last minute. The more time you can devote to them the better. But I would break down your wedding program into the following:

The necessary:
The ceremony:
processional, music, readings, recessional

The Bridal Party:
Your parents, his parents, the officiant, bridesmaids and groomsmen (including your maid of honor and best man )

The nice:
A note of rememberance, or thank you to parents

Directions if reception is at a different site

Information about your ceremony if it is different from the norm (if you are doing a handfasting ceremony for example, it would be nice to give your guests a little history of the ceremony).

If you are considering a wedding program, let your stationer know in your initial consultation that you are thinking of doing them so that she can let you know the approximate timeline for these and when she'll need the information.

~Carey@Lasso'd Moon Designs

Photos courtesty of Lasso'd Moon Designs (top) and paperzest (bottom).